It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

Information about the process required to import live rabbits into the United States of America can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

Additionally, animals carrying diseases of risk to domestic or wild animals are subject to regulations from the US Fish and Wildlife Service as they may be considered injurious species.

Email

VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov

The requirements to import live animals into the State of Hawaii and the island territory of Guam (PDF 280 KB) are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements. For example, pet rabbits may be prohibited from entry or possession by private individuals in these jurisdictions.

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

As required by the importing country.

Transport requirements

The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.

For the importation of rabbits (for research purposes) it is recommended that documents are not placed inside shipping containers. Refer to the Live Laboratory Mammals and their Material (for research purposes) Guideline for more information.

There is a Live Laboratory Mammals and their Material (for research purposes) Guideline available for live rabbits that are imported for research purposes.

If your animal is returning to Australia, you should make yourself familiar with the Department's requirements for importing live animals into Australia. This is important as your animal may have been exposed to diseases that do not occur in Australia..

Importing country website and information.

Entry last reviewed 30 March 2021.